Will a Proquatics canopy support retrofited lights?

[CrazieEddie]

I was looking the Proquatics canopies designed for 125 gallon tanks, which are sold at Petsmart. It appears that these canopies only have one hinge. I was thinking of purchasing this in the future and installing PC retrofits. I noticed that this canopy only has 1 hinge. Is this canopy designed to support PC retrofits? Will the 1 hinge support the weight of the top & the lights? Is there enough clearance for the installed lights and the top of the tank?

I know this store does not sell them. I don't know anyone who se the proquatics canopy with the PC retrofits, that can answer my question.

I wanted to post it here before posting the same question in several forums (Freshwater aquarium, Salt water, & Reef) on this site.

[MJC]

The questions you're asking is what someone would have asked you.

To have retrofits installed,
-- the canopy should be strong enough to hold and support the lights, preferably made of wood or be able to mount strips of wood to secure the lights onto. A single hinge, if similar to a piano hinge is alright. A single hinge similar to a cabinet may not.

-- be ventilated and provide for air circulation. PC do get hot and without circulation to draw out warm air, you chance having components become too warm and melt. End caps can melt and fuse onto your bulbs, your wires can become warm, or having too warm of lights can cause unnecessary warming of your tank.

- - In terms of clearance, it's based on the design of the canopy and your preference. I have a 24" high top with 4xPC and 3xMH. I have it this high to simplify cleaning and maintenance. Large flip top canopies with PC and VHO lighting can be heavy to lift open, more so if you want to remove it to clean your tank. Make sure the light will penetrate lower portions of your tank as the deeper your tank, the more light is filtered when it reaches the bottom.

My .02 - if you can have one made, do it. It'll be to your specifications and liking.